Please note: Wooster’s educational philosophy is centered on teaching children not course material.  Thus, while the topics of instruction included in these documents represent the best estimate of the faculty about what subjects will be explored in each class, some additions, subtractions, and changes are likely to occur each year based on the interests and aptitudes of the unique group of children who are being taught.

 

The information contained in these documents is the intellectual property of Wooster School

and intended solely for the use of current and prospective members of the Wooster community

to better understand and anticipate course content.

Reuse, resale, or reproduction of this material outside of Wooster School is prohibited.

 

Copyright Wooster School 2005

 

 

2nd Grade

 

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English/Literacy

WRITING

Unit One – Introduction to a Writer’s Notebook

Rationale: The students are introduced to the idea that writers use a notebook as a tool to help them better their written word. This tool will hold their ideas for later use. They will continue to use a folder, yet the notebook will take on a life of its own, making ways for them to keep track of and build their thoughts. There is the management and the content of a notebook to consider.

 

Unit Two- Personal Narrative

Rationale:  This unit directly builds on the earlier story telling unit as each writer finds new stories to share.  Basic story elements are crucial to this study, while the structure of the piece may vary from the simple beginning, middle, and end, the sophisticated flashback, or a string of small moments in a sequential manner with time influencing each moment.  The students experience the stages of the writing cycle for the first time, working together on each stage as a class.   

 

Unit Three: Conventions and Sentence Structure

Rationale:  This study gives the students a chance to focus on the conventions of good writing.  Therefore, the writers will engage in writing exercises that promote an awareness of basic capitalization, punctuation, and age appropriate grammar. 

 

Unit Four-Nonfiction

Rationale:  Non-narrative and nonfiction texts allow students to pursue personal interests and research a nonfiction topic using a variety of strategies.  Non-narrative texts give information through story, either personal experience or reliable resources, categorized by one topic with a few main points that support the main idea. The students are able to utilize various aspects of nonfiction texts such as the glossary and table of contents, captions, bold print words, the basics of categorizing information through paragraphs, etc.  Illustrations are more of a focus in this study as nonfiction material relies heavily on a variety of diagrams, pictures, charts, and symbols.  Each child publishes one piece in either genre.  The children revisit and build upon their repertoire of nonfiction characteristics from first grade.       

 

Unit Five: Revision

Rationale: The craft of writing is the cauldron in which the writing is forged.  This craft unit will develop the young writers’ critical eye toward their own writing.  The idea that writers use craft to make changes will open the world of rereading as a writer and not just a reader.  Writers revisit their work by rereading and looking for places in need of change, as well as, trying out strategies in new entries.  Mentor texts and student generated texts will be used to identify specific strategies and author intention.

 

Unit Six: Writing About Reading

Rationale:  This study allows the students to gather and utilize prior information about finding the main idea and understory of a text.  Linking the reading and writing connection gives the students a chance to demonstrate what they can do with their accumulated knowledge about story and self.  They are regularly asked to respond in short jottings and on charts, to locate the main idea, to look for reoccurring themes in their reading.  Students are expected to write longer about an idea using examples and specific lines from texts that support their ideas.  The students utilize the social action reading unit as an avenue to generate ideas for their writing.  The students write with an opinion, and focus on one issue at a time.  Students think about their own views of an issue in the world and how it affects who they are.

           

Unit Seven: Poetry

Rationale:  During this study students can focus on the meaning of a piece and not worry about punctuation, capitalization, or length.  Structure is fun to explore and yet the writer needs to hear the rhythm of the poem before he/she can add verses and white space.  Meaning is at the heart of this study, requiring the writers to stretch their imaginations about topics to record in poetic form.  Mentor authors assist the writers with ideas and the strategy of specificity.  Strong verbs and succinct phrases are key pieces to poetry which the students try when revising their work.  By engaging in poetry centers the students experience poetry from a variety of stances.  Some poets use illustration to help create the image while others use rhythm and repetition to write.  Students see poetry as a gift of words and help spread the gift to others.

 

Unit Eight: Writing Project and Setting New Goals

Rationale:  This study builds independence in the students.  They rely on their past experiences with literature and units of study for project ideas.  The project should show stamina, the ability to create new ideas, and management of time.  A calendar will be used as a way to help the students stay focused and accountable for each stage of this study.  The students are being asked to outgrow themselves, accept a challenge, and work independently. The students need to take direction from general mini-lessons and, at times, the students are asked to give a mini-lesson if they used a strategy from a prior unit of study.

 

 

WRITING MECHANICS

Capitalization

Titles of works

The pronoun I

First words in a sentence

Personal titles

Proper nouns: people, animals, places, months, days and holidays

Punctuation

Ending marks with declarative sentences, interrogative sentences, exclamations, and imperatives

Commas for items in a series

Underlining of titles

Periods with abbreviated months, days, and titles

Commas in dates, letters, and addresses

Apostrophes with possessives

Grammar and Usage

Regular and irregular plurals

Pronouns of subjects

Agreement of subject and verbs

Run-on sentences

Sentence fragments

Regular and irregular past tense

Order of pronouns

Pronoun use with direct objects

 

 

LIFETIME WORDS

been, come/came, said, say/says, there, they, use, very/every, were, what, who/what/when/where/why, with, about, again, animal, any/many, are/our, ask/asked, both, could/would/should, down, feel/felt, gone, great, house, keep, live/ give, myself, none/done, number, once, other, over, sure, time, to/too/two, word, water, where, your/you’re, because, friend.

 

 

READING

Unit One – Story Elements Build Comprehension

Rationale:  Students are asked to develop a working understanding of their own reading level in order to determine what a “just right" text is for them.  We review story elements such as setting, scene, character, plot, conflict, and resolution.   As a class we identify and label the story elements on charts for our read-aloud and then begin to do the same in partnership reading.  "Say Something" is introduced as a way to respond to text and identify story elements.  Students engage in book talks, emphasizing depth of response as the partners work together to identify the story elements as they occur in their books.  Setting routines and rituals in Readers’ Workshop is important.   

 

Unit Two - Responding to Text Orally

Rationale: Students understand the large variety of responses to texts: retell in multi-levels, prediction, text-to-text, text-to-self, questions, and sometimes an answer.  They are not expected to master these ways, simply explore the differences in order to try a range and not just one type of response.  As the unit progresses, students are able to label their responses and make short term goals to try different ways of responding.  It is important to notice the way characters are similar or different and why texts in a series tend to go the same way in plot and style of story, etc.  Students are expected to try a variety of conversation starters: I think, I agree, I disagree, I wonder, I am adding onto, etc.  The students move into partnerships and use this knowledge of response on a daily basis in partner book talk.    

 

Unit Three - Responding to Text in Writing

Rationale:  The idea of responding to reading in writing was introduced in first grade.  Response through Stop and Jot happens on post-it notes and notebook paper.  Charts begin once the students are able to jot down meaningful thoughts on a daily and nightly basis.  The post-it notes help students hold their thoughts over a period of time.  This aids with comprehension and sequencing.  Retelling important parts of a chapter is important to later work where students will follow a character's moves or the events in a story. The charts serve a purpose for stronger partnership work and accountability.  Partners can see what each other is thinking. If there is a misunderstanding or confusion about a specific part of the story, the readers are expected to return to that passage to reread and discuss the misunderstanding.         

 

Unit Four: Nonfiction

Rationale:  In this study, readers become adept at using the table of contents and accustom themselves to skimming over parts that are not of interest or necessary for understanding.  Building vocabulary through context is an essential component of this study.  The beauty of this genre study is that the partnerships need not be based on reading ability but rather on interest.  Two partners can read about the same subject yet in different texts.  This way the daily book talk is pertinent to each reader.  The readers are still working on building the same reading skill at varying levels.       

 

Unit Five - Character Study

Rationale:  Characters change in a text and affect the story and our thinking.  In order for a deeper understanding of a character and his/her motives, one must be able to understand why he/she did what he/she did.  The students chart noticings about the action of a character, wonder why he/she did it, and the reaction to the action. This lifts the level of comprehension and inferential thinking.  To walk in a character's shoes means to put aside your own thinking and be that character.  There is no disagreeing with the character's motives unless one is discussing how he/she feels as a reader.  This is a developmental stage and an introduction to looking at characters in this very grown up way.  Students keep track of one character through action and response to other characters.  A variety of charts are used: Venn diagram, U-chart, T-chart, and Time line.

 

Unit Six - Identifying Social Themes in Texts

Rationale: This is a comprehension unit focusing on social themes or issues in texts. Students learn to identify, label, and follow throughout a book or across multiple books, poems, and songs, major themes or issues that the author writes about. Students reread and examine old texts as well as new ones paying close attention to the issues with which the characters are dealing with in their everyday lives.  Students look for issues and themes that run throughout the story and at the actions or events in the story that support or are examples of the issues.  Students learn that the issues that the characters in the stories struggle with are issues that may be relevant to their own lives as well.

 

Unit Seven: Poetry

Rationale: Fluency, meaning, and motion are lively and reactive ways to respond to poetry.  Reading the work of a variety of poets aids the readers when discussing a specific poet's work. Students work in small groups, making decisions as to how to manipulate the words in a poem in order to hear the rhythm and poet's voice.  Students keep a poetry folder of their work and strategies they may create out of their partnership work.  Students have the opportunity to experience poetry through movement, illustration, voice, choral, echo, and repetitive reading.    

 

Unit Eight - Independent Reading Projects

Rationale:  Projects are selected and researched by topic or author.  These projects are done independently, although the students have a partner.  The peer partner aids in a variety of ways: stamina, accountability, idea gathering, and clarity.  Each student must present the information in a written form as well as verbally.  The projects should be innovative and reflective of one's newly learned information, such as comparing characters, how series are similar or different, how events affect a story, etc.

 

 

WORD STUDY

Review short vowel sounds.  Review blends:  bl, pl, fl, gl, cl, br, gr, cr, dr, fr, tr, pr, sc, st, sk, sm, sn, sp, sw.

Short a and long a:  a_e pattern.

Short e and long e:  e_e pattern.

Short i and long i:  i_e pattern.

Short o and long o:  o_e pattern.

Short u and long u:  u_e pattern.

Review initial and final digraphs:  ch, sh, wh, th, in long and short vowel words.

Long a sound patterns:  ai, ay, ei, a_e.

Long e sound patterns:  ee, ea, e_e.

Long i sound patterns:  igh, y, i_e.

Long o patterns:  oa, ow, o_e.

Long u patterns:  ue, ui, u_e.

Short vowel phonograms:  an, ap, ack, ank, ash, at, all.

Short vowel phonograms:  est, ell, en, et, ent, end.

Short vowel phonograms:  ick, ill, in, ing, ink, ip, it.

Short vowel phonograms:  ock, op, ot, og.

Short vowel phonograms:  uck, ug, ump, unk.

R-controlled vowels:  ar, er, ir, or, ur.

Singular and plural nouns with some "irregular" nouns.

Endings:  doubled final consonants for ed and ing verbs.

sounds of the ed endings:  ed (dated), d (tried), t (mixed).

Contractions.

Compound words.

Vowel diphthongs:  oo/moo, oo/book, oy, oi, ew, ui, ow/cow, ou, au, aw, al.

Silent consonants:  gn_, kn_, wr_, mb.

Sound-alike endings:  _ck, _ke, _k, _ch, _tch, _ge, _dge. 

Multi-syllabic words and syllabication work

 

 

History/Theme

 

COLONIAL AMERICA

GOALS:

Second graders begin their study of American history by considering the origins of the United States. Although students are introduced to many of the early settlements, begging with Jamestown in 1607, the emphasis is on Plymouth as a model colony. Using the colonists as a model, students discuss how a people and their culture can be changed by environmental conditions. Adaptation is a key phrase. The complex relationship between the colonists and the Native Americans is examined as students consider these two different cultures. 

 

OBJECTIVES:

Examine how the early colonists survived and evolved into a self-sufficient society.

Explain the significance of the Mayflower Compact.

Discuss the relationship between the pilgrims and the Native Americans.

Understand how the arrival of the European traders and settlers impacted the lives of the Native Americans.

Name some of the Native American tribes of New England.

Explore the native American reverence for nature.

Identify the causes for all the migration to America.

Investigate the natural resources available to the Native Americans and the colonists in New England. 

 

 

ANCIENT EGYPT

GOALS:

The study of Ancient Egypt sets the stage for further studies of ancient civilizations in the upper elementary grades.  Students begin with a study of geography, how cultures utilize the natural resources available to them and how a culture is influenced by the physical features of their environment.  Students consider how life today compares to life over 3,000 years ago.  Throughout this study, students are encouraged to examine the aspects of this past civilization which are still evident in our own culture.

 

OBJECTIVES:

Describe the climate and geography of Egypt, the black land and the red land, kemet

Identify animals native to Egypt and describe their adaptations

Locate and label the Nile River, equator, seven continents, four oceans, and the large seas in the Middle East region

Explain the importance of the Nile River to the Egyptians and what make the Nile River unique

Understand the importance of the scribe and the materials used for recording life, specifically hieroglyphics

Explain the intricate caste system by describing various jobs

Understand the role of farmers in the caste system and the disparity with their importance to the community

Understand the various tools, animals, and inventions used by Egyptian farmers

Explain how some plants were used for medicinal purposes

Understand the embalming process, the use of canopic jars and the meaning of the carvings on Egyptian tombs

Identify the materials used to make clothing and paper, linen, animal products, flax and papyrus

Understand the natural resources in Egypt

Describe the various homes lived in by Egyptians and how they reflected the various levels of the caste system

Identify various jewels and metals commonly used by the Egyptians and understand where and how they were used

Identify some of the major gods and goddesses of Egypt and their special powers through the reading of myths

Explore the mathematical inventions of the Egyptians and how math was used to create the pyramids

Identify the most famous pharaohs, their dynasties, and tombs

Understand the Egyptian fascination with vanity and the afterlife

Understand the role of recreation and sport in the Egyptian society

 

 

Foreign Language

 

SECOND GRADE SPANISH

GOALS

To review and reinforce all previously learned material

To encourage group and individual repetitions of Spanish

To foster simple reading and writing skills

To learn to ask questions and make negative sentences

To increase awareness of Spanish culture

To encourage correct pronunciation

RESOURCES

A wide range of materials of instruction is used, including audio, visual, and manipulative

Maps and puppets

TOPICS

Reinforcement of all previously learned vocabulary

Classroom objects, comparison in size

Short sentences using yo tengo (I have) and me gusta (I like)

Clothes, animals, and family members

The Spanish alphabet

Date, including the year and weather temperature

Pledge of allegiance

Adjectives

The five senses

Mexican culture; hieroglyphics and pyramids

Simple directions such as turn left, turn right, go straight

CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY - ACTIVITIES

Cooking  - tostones, sopaipillas, and empanadas

Piñatas

Additional story telling - Authentic folklore and legends from Latin America

Additional children's songs and games

Locate and name Spanish-speaking countries on the globe, including continents and oceans

 

Math

SKILLS MASTERED

Arithmetic

            Count by 2s, 5s, and 10s from any given number.

            Construct fact families for addition and subtraction.

            Find equivalent names for numbers.

            Understand place value for 1s, 10s, 100s, and 1000s.

            Add and subtract multiples of 10.

            Find missing addends for next multiple of 10.

            Solve addition and subtraction stories to 20.

            Know addition and subtraction facts to 20.

            Add three 1-digit numbers mentally.

            Multiply numbers by 1, 2, 5 and 10.

            Identify and name a fractional part of a region.

Data Analysis

            Make tallies and give the total for multi-digit numbers.

            Plot data on and compare quantities from a bar graph.

Time and Money

            Tell time to the nearest 5 minutes.

            Calculate the values of combinations of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.

            Read and write money amounts under $1 in dollar notation.

            Use equivalent coins to show money amounts in different ways.

            Demonstrate calendar concepts and skills.

Geometry

            Measure to the nearest inch and centimeter.

            Find area and perimeter concretely.

            Use a ruler, tape measure, and yardstick to measure length.

            Identify 3-dimensional shapes and know their characteristics.

            Identify symmetrical shapes.

            Identify parallel and non-parallel line segments. 

 

 

SKILLS INTRODUCED AND PRACTICED

Arithmetic

 Compare whole numbers and fractions using <, > or =.

 Devise and use strategies for finding sums and differences of 2-digit numbers.

 Estimate approximate costs and sums.

 Solve equal grouping and equal sharing problems and stories.

 Model multiplication problems with arrays.

 Add three 2-digit numbers mentally.

 Use parentheses in number models.

 Understand fractions as names for equal parts of a region or set.

 Understand that the amount represented by a fraction depends on the size of the whole.

 Recognize equivalent fraction names.

 Understand place value for 10,000s.

 Construct multiplication and division fact families.

Data Analysis

            Find the median, maximum, minimum, and range of a data set.

            Determine the mode of a data set.

Time and Money

            Solve money stories involving change.

            Use alternate names for times.

Geometry

            Measure to the nearest half inch and half centimeter.

            Use appropriate units for measurements and recognize sensible measurements.

            Read temperature on a thermometer.

            Identify equivalencies for millimeters, centimeters, decimeters, and meters.

 

 

Science/Theme

 

WATER

This unit is a scientific study of water and aquatic environments. It is introduced by looking at world geography with an emphasis on the locations of marine and freshwater habitats. Hands-on experiments and classification activities lead students to a better understanding of aquatic habitats and their characteristics, and how they are impacted by humans and industry. Students are expected to use the scientific process as a tool for further inquiry.

 

OBJECTIVES

      Students will:

identify the seven continents and the five oceans;

differentiate between marine and freshwater habitats;

understand some of the effects of pollution on aquatic habitats; 

explore how changes in temperature affect aquatic habitats;

recognize that water on Earth exists in three different forms: liquid, gas, and solid;

identify the freezing and boiling points of water;

perform various sink-and-float experiments and be able to articulate the scientific principles involved;

become familiar with the chemical make-up of water;

Demonstrate cargo capacity and buoyancy as a way of understanding water displacement;

experiment with substances that dissolve in water;

recognize that 3/4 of Earth's surface is covered with water;

identify major sources of water: oceans, glaciers, rivers, ground water, and atmosphere;

explore surface tension;

explain the water cycle;

recognize that plants and animals need water to live; and

recognize the importance and use of water in their daily lives.

 

ANIMALS

Taxonomists categorize animals into two well-defined classifications: vertebrates and invertebrates. Students will become familiar with this and more detailed classification of animal life and animal habitats. Through this exploration of animals the students will focus on habitat and survival needs for all animals. Students understand the relationship between their own lives and other animals.

 

OBJECTIVES

      Students will:

identify and understand the various classifications of animals;

research individually selected animals using nonfiction material;

demonstrate an understanding of an animal's habitat and survival techniques in relation to food, child rearing, protection, shelter, locomotion;

understand the unique habits of nocturnal animals;

observe the life of crickets and identify their body parts;

observe the life cycle of pill bugs;

classify various types of animals according to their characteristics;

identify anatomical and behavioral adaptations that allow organisms to survive in specific environments;

explain that features of living things can be good indicators of roles and positions within an ecosystem;

compare carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores;

define and give examples of habitats;

recognize that living things contain systems (digestive, respiratory) that enable them to carry out basic life processes;

identify predators and prey and describe their relationship; and

construct a food chain including producers and consumers.

 

 

Art

The greater dexterity of second graders allows for more drawing and painting from nature. Their reading ability makes it possible to incorporate research in most of their art work, and for the first time, introduce the study of art from other cultures. They can start using sketches to plan their work and they are able to solve simple structural problems in 3-D construction. Themes may carry through several different projects.

 

OBJECTIVES

Over the course of the school year, second graders learn to:

  Painting:

Mix colors observed in the natural world

Use a limited palette

Understand and use contrasting colors

           

 Drawing:

Sketch from nature, record observations

Draw patterns observed in nature and in the art of other cultures

Identify profiles, frontal views, and whole figure photographs of animals, and start to be able to draw these

           

 Collage, Assemblage, Mixed Media:

Build a free-standing construction

Make patterns and mosaics from collage materials

Use collage to enhance existing forms and patterns

Use cardboard three-dimensionally

Measure, fold, hole-punch, and bind a simple book form          

 

Clay and Sculpture:

Make an armature from wire and tin foil; cover with clay

Model a clay animal using memory, photographs, and/or sketches         

 

 Tools and Techniques:

Use rulers to make simple measurements

 

 Clean-up and General Behavior:

Rinse out brushes and cups used in watercolor

Wipe off tables with sponges

           

MAJOR AREAS OF INSTRUCTION

 Painting:

Using shapes and mixing colors observed in the natural world

Studying and using lines, colors, and patterns observed in the artwork of other cultures (Native American, Egyptian)

 

 Drawing:

Nature studies in field journals

Studies of animal heads (frontal view and profile) for masks

Studies of patterns (Inuit, Egyptian, water)

Scratchboard.

 

 Collage, Assemblage, Mixed Media:   

Long-term 3-D projects (masks, book covers, sarcophagi)

Book Arts: stick- and rubber band-bound field journals

Layered murals combining paint and collage

 

 Clay and Sculpture:

Clay or plaster cloth over armature

Clay masks from slabs with 3-D collage elements

Free-standing animal sculptures

 

 

Music

SECOND GRADE MUISC

Singing

Sing accurately within the range of middle C to C2

Sing with a clear and pleasing vocal quality

Reproduce short melodic patterns

Be aware of his/her own vocal intonation, alone or in a group

Sing a varied song repertoire

relating to the general Wooster curriculum and themes

relating to special seasons and events

Sing two part rounds

 

Rhythm

Keep the beat to the music he/she hears and sings

Demonstrate an understanding of rhythm

Distinguish between and execute varied tempi

Clap rhythm of songs and rhymes while walking the beat

Define 2/4 meter

 

Reading and Notation

Understand the function of the staff and treble clef (G clef)

Distinguish between line and space notes

Associate high and low pitch with the position of notes written on the staff

Distinguish between verse and refrain (chorus)

Recognize the symbols

 

Listening

Listen attentively to various compositions

Identify the instrumental colors of strings, brass, percussion, flute and piano

Identify melodic and rhythmic patterns as same or different

Recognize AB and ABA form

 

Movement

Use body percussion to keep macro and micro beats to external music

Move freely with spatial awareness

Follow directions in moving to specific patterns (rhythmic an melodic)

 

Instrumental Playing

Play ostinato accompaniments on barred instruments and unpitched percussion

Use the barred instruments to play melodies

Participate in ensembles of more than one instrumental color

 

 

 

Library Skills

TOPICS

     Each student:

Defining

understands and uses terminology: title, author, illustrator, spine, spine label

 

Locating

is aware of layout of library

differentiates between fiction and nonfiction sections of the library

uses the spine label to identify resources

is aware that nonfiction resources are shelved according to classification order

finds resources in school library with assistance:

            fiction

            non-fiction

identifies and locates book and non-book resources including:

            understanding organization of resources in school and local libraries

 

Selecting/Analyzing                                                                                                                  

selects books appropriate to interest and reading ability using browsing techniques

makes selections using simple scanning techniques involving cover, title and illustrations

distinguishing between narrative and information texts

asks questions appropriately with guidance

 

 

Information Technology

SECOND GRADE COMPUTER CLASS

TOPICS INTRODUCED

Technology Research Tools                                                                         

                        Use appropriate resources to solve problems                                       

                        Navigate Internet sites for find information                                            

                        Gather, evaluate and organize information

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools            

                        File management

 

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

Hardware, software and connectivity    

                        Saving and retrieving files

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                

            Equipment and work area maintenance

Respect the work and files of others

Technology Productivity Tools                     

                        Word Processing         

            Desktop Publishing      

Technology Communications Tools 

                        Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)

Word Processing                                                                     

            Desktop Publishing

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

Hardware, software and connectivity

            Storage formats

 

Health

GREAT BODY SHOP – SECOND GRADE

Injury Prevention & Personal Safety

 Safe vs. unsafe

 Safety rules and laws

 Common hazards

 Emergencies: getting help, acting quickly

 Protecting brain

 Responsibility

 Refusal skills, using predicting steps

 Respect for danger

 Personal safety routines

 Types of touches

 

Nutrition

 Role of nutrients

 Number of daily servings from food pyramid

 Role of good breakfast

 Classifying & evaluating foods

 Responsible food choices

 Nutrition & self worth

 Implementing goals

 Healthful snacks

 

Functions of the Body

 Parts & functions of the brain

 Various ways to be smart

 Thinking skills

 Heart functions & health routines

 Muscles

 Skin

 Making choices to protect hearts

 Effects of smoking

 Symptoms & effects of fear

 Developing empathy

 

Growth & Development/Cycle of Family Life

 Babies grow & change

 Older children

 Adults

 Old age

 Needs of growing plants

 Animals & people

 Being patient

 Defining family

 Family roles & differences

 Responsibility in families

 Facing family changes

 Prediction consequences of resisting change

 

HIV/AIDS and Illness Prevention

 Defining germs

 Sick & well

 Setting illness prevention goals

 Respecting body signals

 Classifying living & non-living things

 Antibodies

 Do’s & don’ts if sick

 Community health helpers

 Rules & laws

 

Substance Abuse Prevention

 Identify drug types (nicotine, alcohol, street drugs)

 Importance of healthy choices

 Practice changing habits

 Positive ways to solve problems

 Safety routines when sick

 Effects of drugs on family & community

 Communicating & sharing

 Refusal skills

 

Community Health & Safety (Violence Prevention)

 Rules to keep you safe in key situations

 Thanking community helpers

 Role playing different at-risk situations

 Practicing asking for help

 Read, write & speak name, address & phone number

 Knowing when you need what help

 Refusal skills

 Avoiding violence

 Bullying

 

Self Worth, Mental and Emotional Health

 Identify special qualities in self and others

 Respect and empathy for self and others

 Feelings during family change

 Coping with fear

 Real dangers

 Helping others

 Communicating

 Avoiding risky situations

 Recognizing prejudice

 

Environmental and Consumer Health

 Environmental hazards and skin safety

 Sun damage and protection

 Rules for safe use of food and health car products

 Health/safety professionals & their services, food handling laws

 Healthful meal selections

 Asthma and air pollution

 Second-hand smoke

 

Physical Fitness

 Benefits of exercise on the heart, muscles and bones

 Actions that help or hurt

 Muscle control

 Safety routines

 Rules for safe play

 Goals

 

 

Physical Education

SECOND GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Second Grade Physical Education class works to improve the basic physical  skills of each student. This includes a daily warm up and skill presentation to improve cardiovascular endurance, speed, agility, balance, eye-hand and eye-foot coordination. The class also stresses social skills needed in everyday living. Skills are demonstrated and reviewed through individual, partner, and small group drills followed by modified games and activities.

 

TOPICS/ACTIVITIES

locomotion skills

space and body awareness

individual and partner activities

small group activities

gross motor skills

Project Adventure activities

soccer

basketball

volleyball

pillow polo

kickball

wiffleball

tennis baseball

tennis

lacrosse

softball

gross motor assessment

"new" games created by the physical education staff throughout the year

 

SKILLS MASTERED

Locomotion Skills

walking                                                                        

running                                                                        

jumping                                                                                   

up and down stairs alternating feet                                            

Tumbling

alligator crawl                                                              

crab crawl                                                                   

bear walk                                                        

kangaroo jump                                                

log roll                                                                         

Pillow Polo Skills

safety rules                                                      

Scoop Lacrosse

grip on stick                                                                 

cradle                                                                          

Scooters

how to sit and kneel                                                     

how to move                                                               

 

SKILLS STRESSED

Gross Motor Skills

dropping and catching                                                  

bouncing waist high and catching                                              

walking and bouncing ball with 2 hands                        

bouncing and catching with partner                                           

tossing and catching with partner                                              

Foot Skills

kicking stationary ball with toe                                      

Pillow Polo Skills

grip                                                                             

dribbling ball with stick                                                 

passing to stationary partner                                         

stopping ball                                                                

shooting at goal                                                            

field layout and rules                                                    

Volleyball

court layout                                                                 

basic rules                                                                   

Kickball

field of play                                                                 

kicking a rolling ball                                                     

Wiffleball / Tennis Baseball

grip                                                                 

stance                                                             

swing                                                                          

Scoop Lacrosse

tossing                                                                        

catching                                                                                  

shooting                                                                                  

Scooters

safety issues and rules                                                 

Physical Fitness

1/2 mile run (fall)                                                                     

 

SKILLS REVIEWED

Locomotion Skills

combination skills                                                        

Movement Control

common space                                                            

directional activities                                                     

body awareness                                              

Gross Motor Skills

throwing to target                                                                    

catching a thrown ball                                      

kicking a moving ball                                       

Tumbling

forward roll                                                                 

backward roll                                                             

jump and roll                                                                                       

Bouncing and Dribbling Skills

bouncing ball head high and catching it                                     

bouncing ball alternating hands                                     

walking and bouncing ball using 1 hand                        

running and bouncing ball with 1 hand                          

bouncing ball against wall and catching it                      

bouncing/clapping/bouncing                                         

tossing/clapping/catching                                                         

Foot Skills

review dribbling and trapping                                       

dribbling with instep of foot                                                     

dribbling with direction change                                     

passing to stationary partner                                        

kicking stationary ball with instep                                             

kicking with approach                                                 

Soccer Skill

dribbling ball using both feet                                        

passing to moving target                                                          

shooting a stationary ball                                                         

shooting a moving ball                                                 

throw-ins                                                                    

field layout                                                                  

Basketball - on low 5'-6' basket

lay up shot                                                                  

shortened space foul shot                                                        

chest pass and bounce pass                                         

Pillow Polo Skills

passing to moving partner                                                        

Volleyball

bumping                                                                                  

Kickball

running bases                                                              

getting people out                                                        

Wiffleball / Tennis Baseball

hitting a tossed ball                                                      

running bases                                                              

getting people out                                                        

Scoop Lacrosse

scooping off ground                                                    

Tennis

forehand and backhand grips                                       

forehand and backhand strokes                                               

net strokes                                                                  

return of tossed ball                                                     

Physical Fitness

sit ups                                                                         

 

 

SKILLS INTRODUCED

Tumbling

walk on 2x4                                                                 

Soccer Skill

positions on field                                                                      

how to defend                                                              

Basketball - on low 5'-6' basket

jump shot                                                                     

layout of game court                                                     

pivoting                                                            

person to person coverage                                                       

Volleyball

setting                                                                          

serving                                                                         

Kickball

tagging up                                                                    

Wiffleball / Tennis Baseball

tagging up                                                                    

Lacrosse         

holding stick                                                                 

cradling                                                                        

tossing to self                                                               

catching                                                                                               

Tennis

serve                                                                           

Physical Fitness

1 mile run (spring)                                                        

push ups and crunches                                                 

shuttle run                                                                    

 

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Please note: Wooster’s educational philosophy is centered on teaching children not course material.  Thus, while the topics of instruction included in these documents represent the best estimate of the faculty about what subjects will be explored in each class, some additions, subtractions, and changes are likely to occur each year based on the interests and aptitudes of the unique group of children who are being taught.

 

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Copyright Wooster School 2006